Need some help from Zeiss Sonnar 85mm f2.8 MM owners

[mikel]

Hey, everyone!

I need some help from those of you who own Sonnar 85mm f/2.8 (the version that was made in Germany, not Japan). I noticed that aperture ring on mine is a little stiff and kind of disbalanced. It takes a little more force to move it from one position to another when compared to other MM lenses I have (but all of them are made in Japan). The "click" when moving it is also a little louder. I would think it could be a ball bearing lubrication, or perhaps it got misplaced in its track or something. In any case, it doesn't "feel" as other lenses. Which brings my question - did any of you notice the same thing or not? And if yes, and it's a fixable problem - how much would it cost approximately? (I'm located in California)

I simply need to be "armed" with some info before I call Kyocera in NJ, since getting to them is a real pain in the butt...

Thanks in advance,
Mike.

 

[wolfgang]

Hi Mike!

To my mind the aperture ring needs to be newly "oiled" (I do not know how to name it better). I had the same problem with an old 28 Distagon. I would reccomend sending it to Carl Zeiss Germany - expensive but good! On the other hand it should not be any problem in daily practise.

Regards
Wolfgang

 

[mikel]

Wolfgang,

I can see your trouble explaining it

I also can't quite explain what is it exactly that I'm worried about. My lens is serial number 84342xx, which probably means it was manufactured less than 5 years ago (although it's just a guess based on recent serial numbers I've seen). It wasn't used a whole lot AND it was actually purchased new about 2 years ago. Which is why I'm puzzled about this strange issue with aperture ring. How much did your repair cost you?

Thanks,
Mike.